SAFORD — On Thursday, given the level of talent on stage at the David M. Player Center for the Arts, Zairee Windsor will be believable when named the 2023 Gila Idol winner. said no.
“I was talking to them behind[the stage]and I was like, ‘All these guys deserve to win.’ They’re all great, I love all of them, they have beautiful voices.” Windsor said.
The 16-year-old Windsor won with her cover of the 1966 Burt Bacharach and Hal David classic “I Say A Little Player,” followed by Dionne Warwick at No.4 and Aretha Franklin at No.10. became.
“I was scared to cover for her. I thought, ‘I can’t cover Aretha Franklin,’ but I think it worked pretty well,” Windsor said.
She received the Dolphin Idol trophy and a $2,000 check from Reed Richins, owner of Double R Communications, which showcases American Dolphins each year, and Mike Curtis of Trophies and Tees. was given.
In second place was Hunter Chamberlin, who sang Taylor Swift’s “No Body, No Crime,” winning a trophy and a $500 gift certificate from Richards Music.
The third-place trophy and $300 Richards Music Gift Certificate went to Kamea Nelson, who performed the song “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from the show Dreamgirls.
The 4th place trophy and $100 Richards Music Gift Certificate went to Andy Davis for Vince Gill’s “Whenever You Come Around.”
Vera Campbell, who sang John Lennon’s “Imagine,” received top votes on Cat Country’s Facebook page and won a gift basket and a $100 Visa gift card from Ginaave’s Marketplace.
The judge for the 2023 Hira Idol finals is 2017 Hira Idol winner Darin Kamae (2006). Winner Jennifer Olson gave a special performance of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. And 2008 winner Adam Krohn performed “Bare Necessities.”
2022 Gila Idol winner Frank Adams sings “Speak to the Mountain” to kick off the night, while the judges deliberate while the audience is sung by 2007 winner Molly Dobell I was treated to a performance and sang “Over the Rainbow”. 2012 Ethan McBride sings “When You Say You Love Me”. And 2016 winner Brianna Morris sang “Crazy.”
2023 Hira Idol sponsors include Valley Telecom Group. Mac NAPA auto parts. Richards Music Company; Double R Bar & Grill; Freeport-McMoran; Valley Furniture and Appliances; Tyson Richnes – Edward Jones Investments. Wire Coca-Cola. Trophies & Tees; Advanced Air System. Graham County Chamber of Commerce. Double R Communications family of radio stations, Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM, KATO 1230 AM.
